“Most of us need to be reminded that we are good, that we are lovable, that we belong. If we knew just how powerfully our thoughts, words, and actions affected the hearts of those around us, we’d reach out and join hands again and again. Our relationships have the potential to be a sacred refuge, a place of healing and awakening. With each person we meet, we can learn to look behind the mask and see the one who longs to love and be loved.” ~ True Refuge

Some of us are just crazy busy these days and don’t have much time to post on the forums. But, you can be sure that we’re reading and JanS, your words are appreciated and ring so very true. Love the picture, too!

One of our local neighbors and good friend of some years died this week. As I sat with her on Tuesday watching the struggle for breath on her last day on this earth, I thought about priorities, friendships and how short life really is. She didn’t want to die and didn’t know when she chose her career as a young woman that it would be a high cancer risk career (flight crew).

When all is said and done though, it really is the relationships in our lives – our friends, family and community that matter. All the money we’ve made and possessions we have don’t count for anything at all at the end of the road. My neighbor was blessed with very warm relationships in West Seattle and once again I marvel at the amazing community we have here. Rest in peace dear friend and thank you West Seattle for your boundless warmth and caring.

Thanks Mike… Condolences to West Seattle. She was always picking up stray pets in the neighborhood and finding their owners or providing them with a home when needed and even picked up stray people in need sometimes. She was truly an unsung hero in West Seattle. There are lots of them here which is what makes this community so special. The neighborhood will miss her.

TDe, I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. I also ran into someone today who knew the man who jumped off the West Seattle Bridge a few days ago. He said there was no indication that was coming. These things really do make you think and reflect about what’s really important.

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Attributed to the apostle Paul, but I don’t know if that’s really the source. Someone sent it to me recently, and I am trying hard to remember it!

Seconded, thirded…eleventhd! A good and hopefully happy day to you all.

Last week was the 15th anniversary of my father’s passing. He died too young (64) and I have been thankful every day that I got the chance to tell him I loved him and how much he meant to me before he passed. I made a vow that I try to keep to this day, to tell the important people in my life that they matter and that I love them. It never fails to lighten my heart.

A long-time neighbor is 82 years old (I’m 53), and over the course of the last decade she has become my best friend. She and I are actually closer than my mom and I could ever be, and now again we’ll let strangers believe we are just that, which makes me very proud.

For the past 6 years or so we get together five or six nights a week and talk about anything and everything while Wheel of Fortune is playing in the background, however when Jeopardy comes on so do the boxing-gloves and we really duke it out to see who can win more money that night. In addition, I do chores for her around the house and we trade food, and stories of past, she has become a mentor to me as well.

We almost lost her a while back and although I knew that that day would come I really never knew how unprepared for it I was. Now every minute is cherished, our trips together to take her cat to the vet (no deceased), a run to a locale restaurant for a bite to eat, and our seasonal evening car trips to look at the neighborhood Christmas Lights.

I cry every time I think about the day that she won’t be sitting in her livingroom waiting for me to unlock the door and enter (as I’m crying right now).

My life has been greatly enriched because of her and I’m proud to say, hers because of mine.

Nothing is taken for granted between us and we always speak from the heart with no need to sugarcoat or omit anything in our conversations as this is the way true friends become just that, true friends.

We don’t always see eye-to-eye, who does? But we always understand and respect eachother and know the other is committed to the relationship.

Its my wish that all of you have found, or will find, someone like this to share a part of your days with.

I am enriched by a neighbor who walks by our home every day. He is known by most of the neighborhood and looks at life in a common sense way. I enjoy talking to him and feel bad that I can’t make more time for him. It is not the relationship that SBRE has but still, it has been enriching. Let’s all take a moment and help our every day heroes out just a little more.